National Convention Concluded on 6th March.

The participants of the national convention gathered at 8.30 am for the proceedings of the third day. The day was is set aside to look at clear strategies for the network for the coming years. Mr. Khilesh gave a recap of the last two days for the benefit of the group. Fr. A M Jose then welcomed Fr. Maria Arokiam the regional superior to the convention. The keynote address from the regional was well taken by the participants. He highlighted the success of the network and the possibilities of taking this forward for the welfare of the neglected and marginalised youth. Fr. Stephen Mavely, the director of Don Bosco University from Guwahati then addressed the network and explored and explained the options available for synergy between the network and the university. The possibility of certification through the university was a welcome suggestion and there has been agreement of working together at this possibility.
The suggestions from the groups that met the previous day was then summarised and presented to the group. This was later prioritised later according to each presence. The presentation from Minu Thommen on possible engagement with the government and ministries was very informative and helpful. There was much information that generated interest in the members present on options of such engagements.
There was time for the provinces to share their priorities and steps at national and province level. In the general discussion that took post lunch the national priorities that emerged are: 1. Study of the Rural Development Schemes from MoRD 2. National Network for Placement 3. Standardization of modules 4. Taking ahead the MES Programme.
The convention ended after further deliberations for internal networking and functioning better. In the concluding remarks Mr. Danny from dmos comide encouraged this network and wished it great success through being able to offer better job prospects for the youth of the country. He also encourage other such initiatives from such networks as Development Offices. The convention came to a close at 3.15 pm. There was much joy about what has been achieved and great hopes towards the challenges of the future. There has been good understanding of the dynamics of the topic “Skill Development – Opportunities and Challenges.